CLIFTON, CO - At 9:40 a.m. on January 24, 2025, Clifton Fire Protection District was dispatched to a gas line break in the area of Lois Street and F Road in Clifton, Colorado. Shortly after, the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office and District 51 Safety and Security were dispatched to the area to assist. 

Under the direction of Clifton Fire, evacuation notices were sent to homes and buildings in a two-block radius of the leak site around 10:50 a.m. Deputies with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office contacted residences and buildings in the area to ensure notification of evacuation. Mesa County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officers in tandem with District 51 Safety and Security and District 51 Administration coordinated and executed an evacuation plan for students and staff at Clifton Elementary.

As of 11:30 a.m. utility services were able to shut off the gas main and evacuation orders were lifted by 11:40 a.m. All updates regarding Clifton Elementary School evacuations and reunification can be found on the District 51 website or social media pages.

Register for emergency alerts and information via the Grand Junction Regional Communication Center Emergency and Community Notification System at https://member.everbridge.net/892807736721759/login

Note: The original release stated the alert had been sent to residents in a two-mile radius. This has been corrected to reflect a two-block radius.